Arabic food is celebrated globally for its fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and impressive assortment of succulent meats and mouthwatering vegetable options. If you have yet to explore this type of cuisine, here’s a list of delicious items you should order when you visit an authentic Arabic restaurant known for Lebanese and Jordanian food as well as other staples from that region. 

4 Popular Arabic Dishes to Try at an Authentic Middle Eastern Food Restaurant

1. Kibbeh

Kibbeh is a common dish in Arabic cuisine and a crowd favorite with visitors to the region. This shareable dish is a great appetizer as it can be eaten with your hands or with a knife, fork, and dipping sauces. Each kibbeh includes ground beef, pine nuts, and other spices blended together and deep fried into rounds or patties. 

2. Hummus

Hummus has become a popular snack and appetizer that’s featured at both Greek and Arabic restaurants. This versatile dip has a fresh chickpea base and is blended with a combination of olive oil, garlic, tahini, and lemon juice. It’s perfect with pita, sliced vegetables, on a salad, or alongside a meat entrée. 

3. Grape Leaves

Grape leaves, also known as warak enab, is often featured in Lebanese dining as part of the mezze offering or small plates. This dish includes rice, herbs, spices, mixed greens, and onions, rolled into grape leaves and slow cooked in a blend of fresh tomatoes, olive oil, and lemon. 

4. Mansaf

Mansaf is a traditional Arabic food frequently served in Lebanon and Palestine to commemorate special occasions. The classic preparation of lamb cooked in aged yogurt to make a rich sauce is served with rice, pita bread, and greens. It’s the perfect introduction to Arabic dining and a terrific way to test your palate with succulent lamb bites. 

If you’re looking for authentic Middle Eastern food in the greater St. Louis, MO, area, Shahrazad Mediterranean Restaurant is the perfect destination for lunch or dinner. Featuring a broad menu of Lebanese, Jordanian, and Arabic food that’s been passed down through family recipes and served to locals for the last 20 years, you’ll have an opportunity to enjoy a taste of the region from their dining room in the heart of Manchester! Call today at (636) 527-4000 to speak with a friendly member of their staff and visit their website to explore their menu further.